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Well done you if you are, as I normally hit perfect about two days before Christmas which is precisely two days before the Big Sales begin. Queen of Hindsight, that's me. This year however, I am determined it will be different. I am going to be organised. I start with thinking I'll be organised - there is always a vague plan on the go but I'm a tinker for getting distracted. I am a total magpie when it comes to new things. No. More. You've got to start off optimistic, haven't you? The chances of me sticking to this, I am realistic enough to know, aren't high, but you've got to at least start out with high expectations. I am planning on being focussed with a capital F this season when it comes to buying things. I am determined to stick to a plan this year. And to stick to a plan, I need to actually have one. There is nothing I like better than starting a plan (the fact I may have a teensy tiny reputation as a starter not a finisher, I'm going to gloss quickly over...) and so I intend to take a good look at my A/W wardrobe and work out what holes there are. (if any... oh there must be some....)

Today I'm going to start with point number one of the plan. Black. Ok not specifically just black but I think one of the best places to start with a plan for a seasonal wardrobe is with a colour scheme. It doesn't necessarily have to be one specific colour but if there is a common theme amongst your clothes, then it does make it much easier to put outfits together and get more wear out of your wardrobe. I love black. I know, I know, the older you get, the more flattering navy is and don't get me wrong, I love navy too (this may be point 1b) and I'm giddy that now it has become acceptable, nay full on trendy, to wear it with black, but black on its own, I don't think I'll ever be able to give up. To me, it is the epitome of easy style and elegance. It comes back for me, to years ago when I read an article (which I rehashed last year) on What makes the Parisians so gorgeous and the first point was they are always heard to ask "Does it come in black?".So I have great plans for black clothes but starting with the most important part of a Winter Wardrobe - The Bag. (this maybe/obviously shares first place with The Boots but for the sake of today's blog, we are focussing on all things handbag.) Finding a fabulous black bag is hard. There is a reason why I still regularly use my Marc By Marc Jacobs Faridah Hobo bag that I bought from Kurt Geiger on South Molton Street when my middle son was 4 days old. He's 8 on Monday. I had been looking for as long as I could remember for a black bag that I just adored and I had never really found one. (actually I did have an amazing Russell & Bromley rectangle/trapeze handbag about 15 years ago that was also a backpack - don't ask, it was fab honestly, with an amazing metal swipe clasp thing at the top that I LOST)It was love at first sight with Marc Jacobs and I have loved it every season since. The only other black bag that I've truly loved is the black Diego by Alexander Wang which I still adore but I will confess, is the proverbial black hole in which to find things. And is there anything more irritating than not being able to find your keys in your bag in a hurry?I say I like a leather bag and to be honest, it is the leather bags that for me, last the test of time, but if you're looking for a quick injection of something new into your wardrobe, then there are some fab pleather ones out there. Starting with the new bag range from Atterley Road. Hugely annoyingly their 20% off stuff has just finished, but I'm sure there is always a percentage off voucher that pops up on their website for your first order. I'm not saying it's an idea to use a different account maybe if you're already ordered from there but......

There is a leather variety similar to the Atterley Road bowling bag that I love and is a really good price for a leather bag (especially if you manage to get a discount) Selected Femme Em leather tote £140

Now I wonder if something slightly larger and slouchier might be a good call. Shoppers are all the rage at the moment (dear god I sound like my mother) but suffice to say, they're popular. I'm rather liking the ponyskin texture of this one. ASOS leather and ponyskin handheld bag - £60

Having done slouchy - there is definitely a more structured bag shape hole in my wardrobe. I'll be honest, I have been hankering after a Sophie Hulme bag for seasons now. This is my favourite - the classic tote but in a mini size (still able to fit A4 in though.... not that I've checked or anything...and yes, this is what they call mini....) Sophie Hulme Mini tote bag £649.99 (most of my car engine weighs less than the gold hardware on this bag by the way.....you would get a work out simply by carrying it around. Think of it as gym membership.)

And yet again, I have only touched the tip of the iceberg with regards to the plethora of gorgeous black bags out there. I may have to do another blog on them - any in particular you'd like to see? What's your favourite black bag out there at the moment?Finishing with photos from the last couple of days - Sunday - wow that was warm. I have to say, not struggling too much with the Rugby watching so far - I'm sure it will be a rather different story come mid October.....

Striped tee - Maison Scotch

Navy waffle blazer - Next

Saxby boyfriend jeans - ASOS

Leopard print skater shoes - Next

Medium Marcie satchel in whiskey - Chloe

And yesterday

Black crepe sleeveless top - Zara

Indigo jeans turned up - Jigsaw

Leopard print coat - Fenn Wright Manson

Black Delphine pumps - NW3 by Hobbs

Medium Marcie satchel in whiskey - Chloe

So tomorrow I shall be back with more black. I know it's not everyone's cup of tea but are there any fellow lovers of all things noir out there?

If anyone hasn't noticed I am obsessed with accessories. Now to be fair, I do count shoes as accessories (and therefore boots, sneakers, sandals and everything else designed to be worn on a foot) as that's where they can be found on most websites. Under the heading "Accessories". Which is interesting as I would term an accessory as an extra to an outfit and to be fair, shoes are pretty much an integral aspect. But we're clearly talking semantics here and suffice to say, I am totally in love with anything accessory wise. And whilst we've got our 30% off code at Mango, valid till Midnight this evening, it would be rude not to have a look to see what would make it onto my wishlist. (code is still 5WEEKEND and all prices are pre discount) First and foremost (as that's what where they have it) let's talk footwear. You may have noticed that I snuck in a pair of new boots this week (more on that shortly, I promise - I have mentioned that they were numero uno on the wishlist so it's not a huge surprise I'm sure) so I am pushing the limits and then some to justify another pair of shoes. But if someone was looking for a pair of stilettos, then this mid heel pair would be top of my Lust List. Ideal height and style to wear to work and they'd carry you well into the evenings and out at weekends too. Camel pump £39.99 These aren't leather but for the 30% off price, I'd be ok with that.

I am very much looking forward to wearing my Delphine pumps from Hobbs again and these are rather reminiscent of them - the ideal statement flat. But loving them in a navy version.Ankle-cuff Mary Janes in navy £34.99 - also available in black.

There are loads of great leather boots and shoes online - I have had to stop looking as I officially do Not need anymore....Bags however - well. I don't feel that I've really touched the tip of the iceberg with regards to bags this season. Probably because yet again, there is that fine line between "need and want"..... However if you're not bothered about a leather bag than Mango is the place to look. Some really great design features at absolutely amazing prices, even before the whopping 30% off. Top of my picks would be this Pebbled Cross Body bag £39.99 in black (also available in a very pale beige) This is more than a little like the Anya Hindmarch cross body satchels.

I've seen this one in store and it honestly looks so like leather, I had to do the sniff test.Pebbled hobo bag £59.99

And again, there are oodles of lovely - really lovely bags online. However it is in the scarves department where I want to shout CALL OFF THE DOGS. This is where the 30% discount comes into its own - no these are not expensive to begin with but with a little bit off - these are akin to the price of a not too shabby bottle of wine. But these don't give you a hangover and will continue to be just as pleasing the following day and the next day and for weeks afterwards.

So whilst I said I wasn't going to do any form of tartan outfit, I absolutely love the shades of this. Nod to all things on trend but much easier to wear in my humble opinion, than a piece of tartan clothing. Check Scarf £24.99 I have pressed buy on this - in my basket.

If navy is your bag this season (and to be honest if I didn't have a navy checked coat, this would be mine immediately), then this is perfect. I papped it in Mango the other day actually - hugely popular on Instagram. Bicolour check scarf £24.99

Actually speaking of grey scarves, this is exactly the sort of thing I'm after. Metallic Scarf £29.99 (have ordered this as well just to check it's not ok... that makes sense no?)

And I could go on and on and on - please do take a look if you're after a scarf as there are gazillions of gorgeous ones. I have a Spanish Roast Chicken dinner to tuck into that The Husband has made whilst I subject him to yet more X Factor. He has no idea how lucky he is... Outfit from yesterday - hangover wasn't nearly as shabby as I thought it might be - total result! Even managed a glass of wine with my pasta last night. As you can see, still loving the boots.

Paola knit dress in putty - BaukjenBoots - Toga Pulla Faridah hobo bag - Marc by Marc Jacobs Tomorrow I am going for a power walk first thing - I know I said I had meant to do some exercise the other week, well, hmmm, that didn't happen but tomorrow - bring it on.....Oh and I also may have ordered one thing from yesterday just to suck it and see... any ideas?

Yes, it's 30% off time at Mango. They did this in the Summer and I know it was hugely hugely popular. Certainly I did a very large order and then I think they had another day when I may have snuck in some more gems. I didn't keep it all but the thrill of having a huge box turn up full of goodies was worth the treck to Bluewater to return then. (I probably shouldn't admit that out loud, should I? Sad or what - please can someone else say they love getting a huge parcel of clothes to try on??) But moving swiftly on, I've already had a gander and try on in Mango this season - seen here in this blog post. But of course there's loads more to drool at. And with 30% off, it would be rude not to have a little look.... Code is 5WEEKEND Actually Mango is one of those stores that instore is pants. Ours is tiny and they have hardly anything compared to the plethora of goodies that are online. The website is incredibly easy to navigate and the styling and photos are gorgeous. Free delivery too and I believe free returns although I've always just taken back into store.WIthout further ado, let the salivating begin. Now I'm not going to say I've already begun to think about the party season... but.... It would be FOOLISH not to have given it a tiny thought. For it will be with us before we know it (not to scare you or anything) I do believe I may have been heard to say " I don't need anything new this year...." Ha. Ha ha ha ha ha. Maybe I'll try and get through on the dresses I have. Totally love the Sandro black leather block dress and the Me+Em turtle neck swing dress and am very much looking forward to wearing both of them. But another great option would be a jumpsuit and this viscose one looks simply gorgeous for a great price.Flowy long jumpsuit £59.99

Staying with classic black, I adore, absolutely adore this simple black "wrap" dress. How perfect is this? You could let the shoes do all the talking. My concern is that for someone as tall as me this would barely cover the essential bits and leave not a lot to the imagination but on someone smaller, this would rock.Crepe Wrap Dress £59.99

You may or may not have noticed I have become dress obsessed and this one fits the bill perfectly. Ideal for dress down during the day - would be gorgeous out for dinner too. Tie Print Dress £44.99

The perfect blazer to go over the above dresses and jumpsuit would be the one I had on the blog on Thursday. Honestly this is stunning, amazing quality, especially for 30% off. Crazy price.Crepe Blazer £44.99

Now I tried on the Whistles version of this yesterday which was lovely but not lovely enough for £500plus. However I am ridiculously keen to see if this is warm... the hunt for a warm practical (ish - oh totally ish...) coat for rugby Sundays will commence shortly. Faux shearling-lined coat £79.99 I simply cannot believe how amazing this looks for the price. It simply has to be pants in the flesh, surely? Actually, I am sat here on a Sunday evening watching rugby (HOW???) and frankly, it would therefore be rude not to order this, just in case it does happen to be totally fabulous. There may be method in my slightly hungover madness.

Obviously I'm not going to get through the season, especially when discussing practical clothes, without mentioning a parka and this one looks gorgeous. Military hooded coat £119.99

Ok so it appears I am officially obsessed with the shearling aviator look. ADORE this. Simply love love love this and wish it was slightly longer. These are all a ridiculous price with 30% off. Faux Shearling lined jacket £69.99

Thinking of rugby = comfort and these are top of my must haves for dress down outfits. Already planning on wearing a pair of these tomorrow. (not these precise ones - I have very similar which are infinitely useful for those totally laid back days) Flecked Jogging Trousers £19.99 I'm loving the look with the polo neck - noted.

Now I haven't mentioned culottes yet - one of a couple of big new trends I have to explore (obviously I wasn't going to ignore them!). Will I or won't I indulge?Wool-blend culottes £44.99

I did have a quick squiz at jumpers and will be back with more of them tomorrow but in the meantime, as a little bit of a teaser, this one totally caught my eye. Very like the lovely Hush one I have but at a fraction of the cost, especially with 30% off. Monochrom Sweater £34.99

Now I have some Strictly and some X Factor to catch up on so I will leave my picks of the accessories till tomorrow. Finishing with the much deliberated over outfit from yesterday - lunch at the Chiltern Firehouse with the girls. Amazing, amazing day (evening....) This is what I decided on in the end. More on the boots which yes, are new and I didn't think would arrive in time but did, very shortly.

Felsted shirt dress - Baukjen

Boots - Toga Pulla

Camel coat - Zara

Black Diego bag - Alexander Wang

Off for a small glass of red and some sublime Saturday night tv. I am bribing the 10 yr old to watch Strictly with me. Sinking to a new parenting low.

Nope, I feel I am just adding to the confusion. Last big deciding day before the outfit selection begins.And I've found the perfect pleather jeans which I could also wear. I am NOT helping matters here. At this juncture in the proceedings, excess choice is not helping the matter. Now, to be fair, these have been on my list of must haves for this season since the beginning of the summer when I mentioned the immortal A/W wishlist. I assumed, wrongly as it turns out, that there would be a plethora of pleather on offer. Leggings - hell yes, pleather leggings are ten a penny. As are leggings that are leather and ponte backed. Actually whilst we're on the subject, let's have a look at how this worked out for me. These are from M&S and I thought they'd be ace. Leather side zip Skinny leather trousers £129

Let's see how that worked out for me.This is a 10 by the way. I am normally an 8 in M&S jeans...... I also would fiercely query their "trousers" label. Trousers my arse. These are leggings. Ok so I guess you could call them "trousers of the spray on variety". Clearly I'm splitting hairs here. And trousers so it seems. (for the record, I didn't actually split these, I just couldn't do the zip up without splitting them or cutting off the circulation to my legs) GAWJUS.

However I did come up trumps at River Island. These are fabulous. I got them in the long length so they are the perfect length (for skinnies) on me and were the rather bargain price of £40. Anyone looking for a pair, my advice would be, swerve the real leather and bag yourself a pair of these instead. Now I had planned on initially wearing them for nights out but wanted to first of all check that a) they weren't going to do a Tom Jones and split up the derriere as they are snug for sure and b) that they didn't sag and look like old granny trews after an hour.

So there we have the third option for the Big Outfit. Skinny leather (look) jeans, top and a jacket. And shoes. Or maybe boots. Now considering I haven't given the top, jacket or shoes an iota of thought means that, to be honest, there is a not a high chance of this outfit happening.

I did nearly move however into ludicrous territory by almost buying quite the most stunning blazer I have seen in ages from Mango today. Black, classic but with a twist for £44.99.

And clearly the Gods of Shopping were once again smiling down on me a,s lo and behold, what is there from tomorrow? Oh yes, a 30% off Mango voucher. From tomorrow till Sunday, use the code 5WEEKEND.

I have a pile as long as my arm of things that I am in love with and will be bringing you my picks on Saturday but in the meantime, if you are after a black blazer, this is fabulous. It looks like it costs four times as much - I tried it on, as did my friend who is 5 inches shorter than me with much bigger boobs and it was randomly as good a fit on her. This is the medium.

Where do I stand on an outfit at the mo... well to be honest, I've no idea. I was chatting about this earlier and I *think* I'm erring on the leather skirt, crepe black top, either Clarks sandals or M&S leather wedges. Alexander Wang bag. Oh and Zara dressing gown coat in camel. Except that as I said it, I realised I hadn't actually tried this all on and "in my head" this coat work with the skirt.

Yeah. Well.

If I had a pound for every time I had thought of an outfit in my head and it had actually worked perfectly in practise, this blog would feature links entirely from Matches and My Wardrobe. As you can see, there is an awful lot of M&S, Mango, River Island, Warehouse and ASOS. Suffice to say, the chances of the aforementioned outfit "actually" working is slim.

So then the Felsted dress from Baukjen. Will this work with the coat though... Oh do you know what, dare I say it, what will be will be. As a very good friend of mine says "you've never turned up to anything in your underwear, you'll be fine"...

But watch Instagram tomorrow morning as I may have a "need opinion" moment...... !

Lastly, thank you very much to everyone for your kind words from yesterday about my son. We're getting great professional help for him, helping to understand his condition better and how he sees the world. I can't say how much I do appreciate your emails and comments with advice and thoughts. Thank you thank you thank you xx

And outfit from today.

Paisley blouse - Zara

Navy boucle jacket - Zara

Cut off jeans turned up - Rock & Republic

White leather tennis shoes - Zara

Medium Marcie Satchel in Whiskey - Chloe

Over and out folks - off to google the Mango website in anticipation of a hungover Saturday.....